Welcome to The REAL San Francisco Podcast! In this episode, Alexander Fromm Lurie and Baxter Smith sit down with Vikrum Aiyer for a powerful conversation about connection, community, civic leadership, and the future of San Francisco.
From his work in the Obama administration and technology policy to his involvement in San Francisco’s civic and cultural institutions, Vikrum brings a unique perspective on what it takes to build a stronger, more connected city.
This episode explores one of the biggest questions facing San Francisco today: How do we move from a boom-and-bust cycle into a more sustained, inclusive, and thriving future?
Together, Alexander, Baxter, and Vikrum discuss the importance of building “connective tissue” between tech companies, local businesses, nonprofits, cultural institutions, government leaders, and everyday residents. They also dive into the role of AI, downtown recovery, civic pride, the arts, community investment, and why San Francisco’s next chapter depends on all of us choosing to participate.
If you care about the future of San Francisco — whether you live here, work here, invest here, or simply love this city — this episode is a must-watch.
Topics we cover:
Vikrum Aiyer’s journey through government, tech, policy, and civic leadership
Why San Francisco needs more connection across sectors
How tech and AI companies can become better stewards of the city
The role of arts, culture, and civic institutions in San Francisco’s comeback
Why community investment matters for long-term growth
How San Francisco can move beyond the boom-and-bust cycle
What residents, founders, leaders, and everyday citizens can do to support the city’s future
Why San Francisco’s next chapter is about pride, participation, and shared responsibility
Subscribe for more conversations with the people shaping the real San Francisco — from real estate and business to culture, community, technology, and civic life.
Stay informed. Stay connected. Stay Real San Francisco.
#RealSanFrancisco #SanFranciscoPodcast #VikrumAiyer #SanFrancisco #SFCommunity #SanFranciscoRealEstate #BayAreaPodcast #CivicLeadership #SanFranciscoTech #AIinSanFrancisco #SFArts #SanFranciscoFuture
00:00 Opening Teaser
00:38 Welcome to The Real San Francisco Podcast
00:53 Introducing Vikram Iyer
01:13 Building a More Sustainable San Francisco
01:35 Vikram’s Background in Policy, Tech & Civic Leadership
02:31 Why San Francisco Needs More “Connective Tissue”
04:03 From the East Bay to DC and Back to San Francisco
05:12 Why Local Impact Matters
06:19 How Companies Can Be Better Stewards of San Francisco
08:11 Why Employers Must Invest Locally
09:12 Connecting AI, Climate, Talent & Local Institutions
10:36 The Disconnect Between Tech, Arts & Community
12:26 Are Tech Leaders Thinking About Civic Responsibility?
14:07 Why San Francisco Needs a Coordinating Backbone
15:34 The San Francisco Futures Initiative
17:09 Moving Beyond the Boom-and-Bust Cycle
19:00 How Local Investment Creates a More Stable City
20:41 What San Francisco Needs More of Right Now
21:19 The Challenge of Polarization Within the City
23:14 Safety, Schools, Housing & the Need for Dialogue
24:22 Tech, Labor & Cross-Sector Conversations
25:12 Why Cultural Institutions Matter
26:20 The San Francisco Symphony & the Power of Convening
28:12 The Untold Story of San Francisco’s Institutions
29:19 How Everyday San Franciscans Can Invest in the City
30:55 Three Ways to Support San Francisco’s Future
31:28 Bring People Back Into the City
32:21 Becoming Spokespeople for San Francisco’s Story
33:15 Building an Inclusive City
34:16 San Francisco Five to Ten Years From Now
34:32 Rethinking Space, Parks & Downtown
35:48 AI, Capital & Building a Stronger Civic Foundation
36:48 Pride, Stewardship & Giving Back
39:39 How Giving and Micro-Actions Can Help the City
41:57 Civic Pride and Investing in San Francisco’s Future
43:02 Closing Thoughts with Vikram Iyer
43:24 End
